The Study Light
One light. Six parts. $5.17.
The Flash Forward study light is a small solar desk light that student interns build for $5.17 in parts: a printed case, a ~500 mAh battery, a charge board, two LEDs, a slide switch and a solar panel. About 7 hours of sunlight gives up to about 12 hours of light, and each light is built to last 1–2 years.
The case
Battery and charge board inside
The LEDs
Solar panel on top
Six parts. $5.17.
Inside
What's inside a solar study light?
Case and battery
The printed case and the ~500 mAh battery.
Charge board
Solar charging and discharge protection.
LEDs
Warm light for studying.
Solar panel
Recharges in about 7 hours of sunlight.
Slide switch
On and off. That is the whole interface.
Cost
How much does a solar study light cost?
Student interns build them for free. Shipping is separate from the parts cost.
How long does it charge, run and last?
| Battery | ~500 mAh |
| Charge | ~7 hours of sunlight |
| Runtime | Up to ~12 hours of light |
| Lifespan | Built to last 1–2 years; replacements available to partners |
| Parts cost | $5.17 per light |
Key facts
- Each light costs $5.17 in parts, recharges in about 7 hours of sunlight and gives up to about 12 hours of light. (Source: specifications above)
- About 655 million people lived without electricity in 2024. (Source: Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2026)
Last reviewed October 11, 2026.
Real
The real thing
